Roasted Tomatillo Salsa

Serves 2

Tomatillos, a common ingredient in authentic Mexican cuisine. They are also known as husk tomatoes and are related to the Cape Gooseberry or Physalis. The size of a large tomato, green and encased in a paper lantern-like structure, they looked very attractive hanging from the bushy six footer bushes.

The flavour is fruity, fresh and tangy, reminiscent of pineapples with a hint of kiwi fruit, we’re now addicted.

Ingredients

250g fresh tomatillos (about 4 large ones)

1 garlic clove, skin left on

1 jalapeño chilli

handful coriander leaves

quarter white onion, finely chopped

juice half lime

salt

To download a printable recipe card, just click on the icon.

Method

Peel the husk from the tomatillos and wash them under cold running water and pat dry.

Place a heavy based frying pan over a medium heat and add the whole tomatillos, jalapeño and garlic until they start to blacken and blister slightly. Turn them over to roast evenly. You will have to remove the garlic and jalapeño before the tomatillos as they will roast more quickly. Just be sure to watch that they don’t burn too much.

Rinse the chopped onion in a sieve under cold running water, Leave to drain.

Peel the garlic and remove the stalk from the jalapeño. If you want a milder salsa remove the seeds and membrane, if you like it hotter leave them in.

Remove the tomatillos from the pan and allow to cool slightly before quartering them. Drop them into a food processor along with the garlic, jalapeño, onion, coriander and lime juice. Chop/pulse them briefly so that you end up with a coarse consistency.

Season to taste with salt.

Put in the fridge until ready to use.

NOTES ON INGREDIENTSBoth Poblano peppers and tomatillos are grown by Edible Ornamentals at their nursery in Bedfordshire. Rows of big poly-tunnels are home to dozens of varieties of chillies which you can go and pick yourself or pick up at their shop when in season.

FOODS IN SEASONSee which foods are in season and at their best using our guide

The Artisan Food Trail is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office – The Data Protection Act 1998 requires every data controller who is processing personal information to register with the ICO, unless they are exempt.

The Artisan Food Trail is registered in the UK for VAT: Reg No. 990 8898 41